Brandon Clarke
Brandon Clarke is a Canadian-American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Born on September 19, 1996, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Clarke later moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where he attended Desert Vista High School.
Clarke began his college basketball career at San Jose State University, playing for the Spartans for two seasons from 2015 to 2017. In his freshman year (2015-16), he averaged 8.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, earning Mountain West Conference All-Freshman Team honors. During his sophomore season (2016-17), he improved significantly, averaging 17.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, which led to him being named to the First Team All-Mountain West. After his sophomore year, Clarke decided to transfer to Gonzaga University, a prominent basketball program, seeking a higher level of competition and development.
Due to NCAA transfer rules, Clarke had to sit out the 2017-18 season. He made his debut for the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the 2018-19 season, where he had a breakout year. Clarke averaged 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and an impressive 3.2 blocks per game. His exceptional defensive skills and efficient scoring made him a key player for the Bulldogs. He set a new single-season blocks record at Gonzaga and was named to the First Team All-WCC, WCC Defensive Player of the Year, and a consensus Second Team All-American. He also helped lead Gonzaga to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.
Following his excellent season at Gonzaga, Brandon Clarke declared for the 2019 NBA Draft. He was widely regarded as a top prospect due to his athleticism, defensive prowess, and efficiency near the basket. Clarke was selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder with the 21st overall pick, but his draft rights were immediately traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. This trade sent Clarke to a team that was in a rebuilding phase, offering him significant playing time and development opportunities.
Since joining the Memphis Grizzlies, Clarke has become an integral part of their young and exciting roster. In his rookie season (2019-20), he quickly established himself as a valuable contributor off the bench, known for his high-energy play, shot-blocking ability, and effective rolling to the basket. He averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game, with an impressive 61.8% field goal percentage, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Throughout subsequent seasons, Clarke has continued to develop his game, improving his offensive repertoire and maintaining his defensive impact. He has consistently provided valuable minutes, whether as a starter or coming off the bench, contributing to the Grizzlies’ success and their rise as a competitive force in the Western Conference. His strong work ethic and team-first attitude have made him a fan favorite in Memphis. Off the court, Brandon Clarke is known for his calm and reserved demeanor. He maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing on his professional career and continuous improvement. He is also recognized for his philanthropic efforts within the community, often participating in team-sponsored events and initiatives aimed at youth development and engagement. Clarke’s journey from a relatively unknown prospect to a key NBA contributor is a testament to his dedication and resilience.
